“I don’t support what they’re doing in the White House right now. I don’t support having people who are put in office that believe in conversion therapy and don’t stand for LGBT rights and don’t stand for minorities.

Gus Kenworthy sat down with Sports Illustrated’s SI Now webcast and let it be known he would more than likely skip the traditional Team USA White House visit due to Trump administration views on the LGBTQ community. Gus came out as gay in 2015 and believes that since then he now represents more than just team USA:

“I’ll be representing my country and I’m so proud to be doing that. There are many people that are in opposition of the current political situation. I think that my LGBT community, for the most part, is against it. I feel like I’ll be representing my country and that community. I feel like the LGBT community is so near and dear to me, that’s kinda more who I’m trying to stand up for. Rather than going there and shaking hands and feigning kindness, I’d rather let it be known that I don’t agree with that.”

Good for Gus to stand up for what he believes in and acknowledging that he is a figurehead gay athletes world round. You may not agree with his views but you have to respect his conviction and willingness to express his views. Go Freedom and Go Team USA.